Japan House London will present “Pictograms: Iconic Japanese Designs” from 30 July to 9 November 2025. The exhibition explores Japan’s significant contributions to pictogram design, beginning in 1964. It will feature history, contemporary designs, and interactive elements for visitors, including a local school competition. Simon Wright emphasizes the enduring relevance of pictograms in a globalized world.
Japan House London is set to launch a new exhibition titled “Pictograms: Iconic Japanese Designs,” scheduled to run from 30 July to 9 November 2025. Pictograms are simple yet powerful visual symbols that have become crucial for global communication. They’re used everywhere—think street signs, maps, and even emojis. This exhibition will explore Japan’s significant contributions to pictogram design, which began with the 1964 Tokyo Olympics’ sporting pictograms, now an international standard.
The exhibition aims to take visitors through the rich history of visual communication. Pictograms have roots going back over 15,000 years, evident in ancient cave paintings and hieroglyphs. Analysis of works, like the Lascaux murals in France and Egyptian tomb carvings, showcases how our ancestors communicated visually. The importance of pictograms in global travel cannot be overstated; they help eliminate language barriers and create a universal visual language.
Another interactive element will include students from local primary and secondary schools participating in a “My London” competition. They’ll create pictograms representing meaningful aspects of their city, with the winning designs featured in the exhibition. This adds a lovely local touch.
Moreover, visitors will have the opportunity to engage directly with pictograms, utilizing 3D models to become part of these symbols themselves. It’s a chance to make learning about visual communication interactive and fun.
Simon Wright, Japan House’s Director of Programming, commented on the exhibition’s theme. He poses questions like, “How much information can a single image convey? Can it transcend language?” He reflects on the ubiquity of pictograms today, stating that communicating via images is more relevant than ever as society becomes more globalized.
“Paring back communication to its simplest form, this exhibition shines a light on the most basic building blocks of design,” he added, suggesting how pictograms help us communicate effectively across cultures.
This exhibition is a collaboration with the Nippon Design Center, which has played a major role in developing Japan’s design perspective since its establishment in 1959. The exhibition will also travel to Japan House Los Angeles and São Paulo in 2026. It’s backed by Epson UK Ltd, ensuring high-quality presentation of this fascinating exploration of pictogram design.
In summary, Japan House London’s upcoming exhibition on pictograms showcases the evolution and significance of visual communication, particularly through Japanese innovation. By highlighting both historical insights and interactive experiences, this exhibition aims to engage the public in understanding the role pictograms play in today’s world.
Original Source: www.prnewswire.co.uk